THE CONDITION OF FORESTRY IN BRITAIN. 177 



of the gamekeeper, in order to suit the convenience of the 

 " beaters." Nearer the residences, one very often finds all 

 manner of shrubs and small trees in wonderful mixture together. 

 A glance at these is sufficient to show that neither arboricultural 

 nor aesthetic considerations have determined their choice, but that 

 they are there simply to provide shelter for pheasants. 



However little, either as forester or political economist, one may 

 agree with this state of affairs, it must be admitted that, from the 

 private owner's standpoint, the system has its advantages. The 

 revenue from game is so considerable, and so sure, that the 

 proprietor often finds it the most profitable on his estate. On 

 the average, Is. 6d. to 2s. per acre is paid as shooting rent, 

 and sometimes as much as 5s. per acre is obtained. One case 

 is known to me in which the latter sum was paid for rabbit 

 shooting. For each grouse killed ten shillings is usually reckoned. 

 With red deer the sum paid is generally calculated according to 

 the number shot, it varies for each stag from about £20 to £40. 

 Rents of £2000 to £5000 are quite common for single shootings, 

 though certainly the tenancy of a prettily situated shooting-lodge 

 may be included with this. 



When one considers that the shooting season averages only two 

 months; and that, in addition to the rent, keepers and beaters must 

 be paid, while the cost of an expensive establishment has to be 

 maintained, it is seen what a costly pleasure this kind of sport 

 is in England. In some parts it has indeed become too expensive 

 for many Englishmen, and rich Americans are stepping in, finding 

 they can shoot more and live with greater comfort in Britain than 

 in their own country. 



To undei'take afforestation on a large scale, proprietors must 

 not only forego this rent or the highly valued pleasure of shooting, 

 but they must expend much money for the establishment and 

 tending of the woods. In return, they usually renp nothing 

 themselves ; their sons receive perhaps only a moderate share, 

 while the sustained yield may only become available to the third 

 generation. Along with this, it must be considered that in 

 England, in contrast to Germany, Austria, and other countries, 

 a knowledge ot' the profit-bringing capabilities of forestry is 

 wanting. For the most part, the landowner sees only the results 

 of mismanaged woods which return a sum poor in comparison 

 to that yielded by game. Besides which, the certainty of the 

 latter income, and the ease with which it is obtained, must be placed 

 in the balance. 



